Scripps Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship Program: An In-Depth Guide
The Scripps Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) program offers a unique opportunity for undergraduate students to immerse themselves in earth, ocean, and atmospheric sciences research at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography (SIO). This comprehensive guide delves into the details of the Scripps' JT-SURF REU program, its objectives, eligibility criteria, research areas, and the overall experience it provides.
Introduction to the Jane Teranes - Scripps Undergraduate Research Fellowship (JT-SURF)
The Jane Teranes - Scripps Undergraduate Research Fellowship (JT-SURF) is a 10-week summer Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program. The JT-SURF program seeks to increase the number of students successfully prepared to pursue Earth and ocean sciences career pathways by recruiting students early in their college career and from institutions with limited undergraduate research opportunities. JT-SURF is supported with funding from the National Science Foundation, Division of Ocean Sciences.
Program Goals and Objectives
The JT-SURF program aims to:
- Engage students in earth, ocean, and atmospheric sciences research at a world-renowned institution.
- Increase the number of students successfully prepared to pursue Earth and ocean sciences career pathways.
- Recruit students early in their college career and from institutions with limited undergraduate research opportunities.
- Provide valuable research experience under the collective mentorship of faculty, post-doctoral researchers, and graduate students at Scripps.
- Develop knowledge and skills to better prepare students for a successful career in earth and marine sciences.
- Engage students with the larger research community at Scripps Institution of Oceanography.
Eligibility and Application
Who Can Apply
Applicants of any race, ethnicity, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, dis/ability or veteran status are welcome and will be equally considered. Students who are members of a group that is historically under-represented in earthand ocean sciences, including students who are Hispanic/Latine, Black or African American, Asian, Pacific Islander, Native American or Alaska Native, and LGBTQIA+ are encouraged to apply as are students who are first-generation, nontraditional, economically disadvantaged, veterans, or parents and students with disabilities.
In accordance with applicable Federal and State law and University policy, the University of California does not discriminate, or grant preferences, on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, and/or other protected categories.
Read also: Exploring Majors at Scripps
Specific Eligibility Requirements
- Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
- Students who will graduate before the start of summer 2026 are not eligible.
- No prior research experience nor formal coursework in earth or ocean sciences is required to apply.
- Students who have previously participated in an ocean sciences REU are generally NOT eligible, although some exceptions may apply.
Application Process and Deadline
THE SUMMER 2026 JT-SURF program application will open january 9, 2026. Please submit application materials as early as possible. The application deadline is February 27 and application review will begin on March 2nd.
Application Deadline: February 27, 2026 at 11:59 pm EASTERN time. Application review will begin on March 2nd, 2026 and we encourage applicants to submit their materials as soon as possible for early consideration. February 27 at 11:59 pm Eastern time is the final day to submit application materials.
Available Research Projects
Click here for a list of available research projects and labs in Summer 2026. This list will be updated as new projects become available.
Research Areas and Opportunities
The disciplinary breadth represented by the faculty and researchers at Scripps allows mentoring in virtually every aspect of marine sciences including biology, earth, oceans and atmosphere. The disciplinary breadth represented by the faculty and researchers at SIO allows mentoring in virtually every aspect of marine and earth science, and related disciplines.
The Wertheim UF Scripps Institute provides career-launching lab research opportunities for undergraduate students who want to experience biomedical research and gain exposure to the experience of a research-focused graduate student. Our campus has hosted the National Science Foundation’s REU-Research Experience for Undergraduates internship program for nearly 10 years. The program’s alumni have gone on to fulfilling STEM careers in academia and industry, with many pursuing doctoral studies in computational biology, neuroscience, biochemistry, immunology, microbiology, structural and RNA biology. The goals of The Wertheim UF Scripps Institute’s SURF program are to expose the next generation of scientists to the breadth of biomedical career opportunities, and to introduce them to the world-class quality of the graduate training program here. Our scientists are leaders in their fields who prioritize mentoring and education.
Read also: Research Internship Details
Program Components and Activities
In addition to research training, the JT-SURF program provides mentoring and workshops to prepare participants for success in pursuing careers and graduate school in earth and ocean sciences. Fellows also attend weekly research seminars, career panels, and give a formal presentation of their results at the JT-SURF Research Symposium at the end of the program. The JT-SURF program also includes local field trips and social events.
Students will:
- Gain an understanding of the challenges, rewards and culture of graduate studies in the sciences
- Participate in a weekly workshops on topics that including research and presentation skills, career options, and preparing for graduate school
- Present their research results as part of a student research symposium
- Have the opportunity to present the results of their summer research at a national conference
Housing, Meals, and Transportation
Housing
Housing is provided for all onsite fellowship recipients in shared apartments on the UC San Diego campus. The apartments are furnished and equipped with a kitchen, outdoor patio, dining room, living room and double bedrooms. It is highly recommended that Summer Fellows live in the provided housing in order to more fully appreciate their Summer Fellowship experience. In some circumstances, a housing allowance can be provided in lieu of on-campus housing. While on campus, students can also take advantage of UC San Diego facilities, such as dining halls, libraries, swimming pools and other recreational amenities. A small number of remote participants will be admitted to the program There is no housing allowance for remote participation.
COVID-19 statement: We plan to offer on-campus housing in summer 2025. However, final decisions on housing availability will be made in accordance with campus guidelines closer to the start of the program. Reopening of many campus facilities for summer 2025 will also be subject to campus health and safety guidelines.
Meals
Meals are not included in the JT-SURF program. All on-campus apartments are equipped with kitchens. The UC San Diego campus operates multiple dining halls and restaurants that are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and several small markets on campus where students can shop for staples. There are also several breakfast/lunch and coffee facilities located at Scripps. Full-service grocery stores are located in a large shopping center less than 0.5 miles away from the on-campus housing.
Read also: Off-Campus Living Near Scripps
Transportation
Round trip travel to and from San Diego is provided by the program. JT-SURF fellows will work in research labs and facilities at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, which is located about 1 mile from the UC San Diego campus. Courtesy shuttles between main campus and Scripps run every 30 minutes from 6:30 am to 7:00 pm on weekdays. Students can also easily walk or bike between the UC San Diego campus and Scripps. Beautiful La Jolla beaches, full-service grocery stores, restaurants, and movie theaters are located within an easy walk or a bus ride from the main UC San Diego campus. Students will find it convenient, but not necessary, to have access to a car to enjoy the San Diego region in the evenings and on the weekends.
Life in La Jolla and San Diego
La Jolla is a beautiful seaside community along 7 miles of curving coastline in Southern California. Surrounded on three sides by ocean bluffs and beaches, La Jolla is located within the northern city limits of San Diego, and is 12 miles north of downtown San Diego. With a mild climate (an average daily temperature of 70 degrees) and access to public beaches, parks and the ocean, La Jolla and the greater San Diego region provide myriad opportunities for outdoor recreation, cultural pursuits, dining, and shopping.
Financial Information
There is no cost to participate in the JT-SURF program.
Additional Opportunities at Scripps College
Ella Strong Denison Library at Scripps College has distinctive resources of rare books, manuscripts, and archives to disseminate to the wider scholarly world. The Student Summer Library Internship supported by the Arthur Vining Davis Foundations is an academic fellowship. The Bekki Lee Memorial Endowed Scholarship was established in 2013 through the generosity of Bekki’s friends and family to celebrate her lifelong commitment to education, access and inclusivity. Bekki’s deep commitment to education will be remembered, honored, and celebrated in perpetuity through the award of the Bekki Lee Memorial Endowed Scholarship to a deserving student who has made significant efforts to enhance the Scripps community. Through the generosity of Barbara Bruner ’76, one student will receive funds to attend the Carter Center’s Executive Briefing Conference and activities in and around Atlanta from March 14-15 with an optional add-on trip to Plains, GA (Carter’s hometown) through March 17. “The Nellie” is an innovative and transformative scholarship honoring the alumna and former trustee Ellen Clark Revelle ’31. Scripps awards 5-8 Johnson Summer Student Research Grants each year. Provides academic and co-curricular support to students at The Claremont Colleges who are interested in earning a doctoral degree in a selected list of fields in the humanities. Priority is given to sophomore applicants. For more information, please visit this link. Established by friends, students, and admirers of Samella Lewis-renowned artist, arts educator, and Professor Emerita of Art History-this scholarship celebrates her distinguished legacy as an artist, art historian, critic, and collector, particularly of African American art. Awarded annually to a junior or senior demonstrating excellence in character, leadership, and responsibility while pursuing courses in Africana studies, art history, or anthropology.
Success Stories
Some 150 students have participated in SURF since it launched in 2011. In each cohort, 65% to 75% have identified as underrepresented minorities. "Virtual REU programs give us a chance to engage students in a new way and to include students who might not be able to travel away from home or do fieldwork," says Lisa Rom, a program director in NSF's Division of Ocean Sciences. The program’s alumni have gone on to fulfilling STEM careers in academia and industry, with many pursuing doctoral studies in computational biology, neuroscience, biochemistry, immunology, microbiology, structural and RNA biology.
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